STORM-WATER NUISANCE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 121, 17 May 1932, Page 5

STORM-WATER NUISANCE

In the Main Street

LEGAL STEPS THREATENED

COUNCIL’S FULL DISCUSSION

To the Waipukiirau Borough Council, which met last night, Mr. D. W. Neild, solicitor, on behalf of Messrs. L. A. Bowen and Co,, wrote in reference to the nuisance caused by storm-water flooding on their premises in Ruataniwha Street, pointing to the invasion by water on May 12, for the second time this year. “Apart from the inconvenience and interference with business, these floodings are extremely unhealthy and insanitary, especially at the approach to winter,” stated the letter.

It was contended that the nuisance appeared to be getting worse owing to more buildings being erected in the affected area and the paving of roads and paths preventing soakage. Attention was drawn to the assurance given a deputation following upon the previous flood that remedial action would be taken.

“Unless therefore,” the letter concluded,” my clients receive a satisfactory assurance within 48 hours that the nuisance will be effectually abated, they will have no option but to consider their legal remedies.” The Mayor said that it had been agreed to remove a crossing at the Bank corner in order to assist in the release of water and this had been carried out.

The water from Porangahau Road was in his opinion, the worst trouble. Cr. Chambers said that the 2ft. pipes in existence were the cause of trouble. A storm-water drain along Northumberland Street would be a great help in remedying the trouble. Larger sized pipes would be helpful, but the storm-water drain (of 12 inches) would be the better proposal. He had known the town for 4 8 years and the difficulty of dealing with flood water had always existed.

The Mayor observed that the shops at the lower end of the town had been built at too low a level. If the water could be prevented from coming round the Post Office corner the position would be remedied. The experience had been worse than usual from the Misses Moriarty’s property (Russell Street) downwards. Cr. Chambers: “I’ve seen 4ft. of water in the main street!” The Mayor said he would be pleased to do anything 4<> relieve the trouble. Inspector Gardner: “From the Hospital the storm-water goes down Wellington Road.” Cr. Chambers pointed out that the old sewer passes along the main street past the Post Office. He said the demands had increased by reason of the concrete channelling bringing the water down more speedily e and in greater volume. The possibility of a blockage below his premises was mentioned by Cr. McCormick. Cr. Chambers moved that the inspector take levels with a view to diverting water via Northumberland Street, also open up the drain below Cr. McCormick’s premises. Seconded by Cr. McCarthy and carried. As to the threatened legal proceedings, Cr. Chambers said he did not like such threats. ft was decided on the Mayor’s motion that th© Council obtain a. legal opinion on the position from the counsel to the Municipal Association, Cr. McCarthy seconding. In the meantime the Council is to advise that the matter at issue is to be investigated, Cr. McCarthy having moved accordingly.